Christmas Day 2015

Oh, how I LOVE Christmas! For so many reasons...Our Saviour first and foremost celebrating his Birth with the world and feeling of His Spirit. I also love how those who have a little bit of faith add light to those that have a lot. I love the food at Christmas and all the treats! I love all the activities that are available, the Nativity, Gingerbread houses, skating, sledding, lights, crafts, so many more! I love giving and receiving in a variety of ways, Santa Clause, and the joy and wonder of the children. It is the longest celebrating Holiday and the funnest! Then comes Jayna's birthday on the 29th, and New Years Eve and New Year Day. I love it all:) This year I felt different about all the gift giving. I didn't have a list for me actually, and Andrew and I didn't get each other gifts this year. We did get a rug that my mother in law chipped in on for our Family room! So grateful for that. And the kids received a lot when 4 separate grandparents bought them gifts each added on what we bought them. I was distracted this year because I had so many etsy orders leading to Christmas and I did a photoshoot on the 16th, so I was editing a lot. But I still managed to do some good prep for Christmas. I had a peaceful feeling and was blessed and grateful for this Holiday Season. Grateful more than ever for what I have. We had Christmas Dinner on Christmas Eve at my Mom and Dad's house. Wow, my mom is such a good cook and I just love Christmas Dinner at home! It was a fun evening. Christmas morning came, and the kids opened their stockings in Jayna's room, then we went downstairs to see what Santa brought... Some shots of Julian playing with his new plane. He was so into it for about 20 minutes, which is awesome for a 21 month old:) I sure love my sweet boy. He truly warms my heart with his sweet spirit and love that he shares.

I've been on the lookout for a piggy bank for Julian...gotta love Winners. He was so excited, and Daddy got coins out right away to show him.

One of the things in Jayna's stocking was a fossil that you had to chip away to find an insect inside. She wanted to do that right away, so with the help of Daddy, we found the insect inside. She loves spiders, and bugs of every kind, so she was so excited and so into it!

I just adore being the one capturing these precious moments in time with my family. Jay tried on this hoodie and slippers a few months ago in Superstore and she LOVED them so much. She could hardly take them off and really wanted it. I told her she can do some chores and save up for it and I would chip in. Or, she could ask for it for Christmas, she wanted to ask for it for Christmas ha. She reminded me a few times after that...." Don't forget about the sweater and slippers, ok Mom?" I was happy to get her something I knew she really liked. Look at her cute expression in this photo!

After our little Christmas morning at our house, we went over to Nana and Papa's for Christmas Day breakfast. When I grew up, my Mom would tint the waffles green or red, haha. We liked that. We LOVED having waffles, whipping cream, and strawberries for Christmas breakfast, along with hashbrowns, eggs, or sausages, or whatever my Mom felt like making. Again, I sure love my Mom's cooking. We just relaxed, and then opened presents from Nana and Papa. We watched "Home Alone" later on as a family, and ate leftovers, and just spent time together. We received some really cool gifts. I loved it when my kids would automatically get right into their gift and want to play with it right away. Here is Jayna painting with her new paint set. So focused. She gave this picture to Daddy:)

Mom had a hat that sang and moved, the kids LOVED it, and both took turns wearing it. hehe so cute. Love that smile on my girl. A pic of Nana and Jay...

My Mom is so thoughtful, and I sure love her:) Juju drinking from his new Christmas cup, and also opening a new pair of church pants from Nana and Papa. By this point he had had good practice opening gifts and totally had the hang of it. He was super excited opening these pants and was whipping them around with joy too, haha. One of the best parts of Christmas is watching the children's expressions and excitement.

As the kids get older and can understand more things, I want to bring Christ more into our Christmas. We talked about Jesus, and watched some videos. But I really want to have some traditions that are unique to our family and really help us feel the love we have for the Saviour, and his love for us. I have always loved Christmas and especially the gifts! As I have gotten older, that excitement has died down somewhat, but this year I really felt differently, and I'm glad for that. There are absolutely not pictures of me on Christmas Day...I guess that's what happens when you are the one taking them. Well Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!